China plays an enormous role in the world grains market, with a large population that is increasing in affluence. Its huge pig meat sector has been disrupted by African swine fever and then reformed in the aftermath of the disease, pushing feed demand higher. Country Focus: China.

Hungary, a land-locked European Union (EU) member state in central Europe, is self-sufficient in grain for flour milling, with the capacity to export to the rest of the EU or to third countries. As part of the EU, it is preparing to shift the focus of its farm policy to achieve climate and environmental aims as part of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy that forms part of it. Country Focus: Hungary

Algeria, on the north coast of Africa, operates a highly controlled and managed grains sector. A traditional customer of France, the country has turned more to Russia for its wheat supplies in recent times. Trade experts see the reasons for the switch as everything from political tension between France and Algeria, to a straightforward price calculation. Country Focus: Algeria

Vietnam is a major producer, consumer and exporter of rice, but wheat flour is playing a growing part in the diets of its citizens. Vietnam is one of the world’s leading exporters of rice, behind only India (which is well ahead of all others) and Thailand. Country Focus: Vietnam

Spain’s domestic consumption of flour is growing, but much of the focus of its grains sector is on supplying a large-scale livestock industry. However, pandemic restrictions and changing demand for meat exports have affected consumption, particularly of higher-value products. Country Focus: Spain

Uruguay’s biggest grains crop is corn, used to feed the country’s beef sector, which has expanded to meet growing international demand. Its wheat crop is smaller, but even so, most of it is exported, even after satisfying domestic demand. Country Focus: Uruguay

Canada is hugely important as a major world supplier of grains and oilseeds, and its exports are expected to increase to fill the gap created by the conflict in Ukraine. However, shortages and high prices are affecting farm inputs. Country Focus: Canada

Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and a major oil producer. Its grain processing sector is highly concentrated, with some of the world’s largest food sector players. The government is responding to the country’s dependence on imported wheat, the disadvantages of which have been highlighted by the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, by working to increase domestic production. Country Focus: Nigeria

Libya, on the north coast of Africa, can produce only a small part of the food its population needs. Years of instability have meant a series of challenges for the wheat supply chain that supplies most of the diet of the country’s people. Country Focus: Libya

Germany has the largest economy and the largest population of any European Union country, and it plays a key role in the formation of European agricultural policy. Its reliance on Russian gas for energy, and farm inputs, has proved problematic and controversial since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February. Country Focus: Germany

Romania is on thDeceme Black Sea and a member of the European Union, a geopolitical situation that has put it at the center of events in recent months as Ukraine, fighting off Russia’s invasion, has sought new ways to bring its grain to market. Country Focus: Romania

Argentina is one of the world’s most important exporters of grains and oilseeds, playing an important role in feeding populations around the world. The South American country, which has a milling sector that includes some major processors, is also a big player on the global biofuels market. Country Focus: Argentina